Anniversary Park
The City of Toronto has announced plans to upgrade Anniversary Park. There are no details yet beyond a tentative schedule. Community consultations will take place over the Spring. By the Fall, a detailed design will be in place. Construction will start in the Spring 2024 and be completed by the Fall 2024.
The BIA’s plans for the park
For years, the BIA has advocated for a completely new layout for the park. It has a plan to use the park for community entertainment. There's also a plan to shut the northern road and expand the park into the main sidewalk. These ideas have been pursued in the draft of its new streetscape plan. The City’s involvement is crucial if a major facelift is going to happen.
Sydney Payne in Mississauga
Last weekend, the World Indoor Rowing Championships were held in Mississauga. It was a hybrid event with some athletes competing in person and others competing online. Sydney rowed in the Women’s 23-39 age group (2000 meters) on a rowing machine called an ergometer. Her time at 6 minutes, 52.6 seconds earned her the bronze medal. Her Canadian colleague Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski came in second at 6.43.2. The winner, Olena Buryak, is a formidable veteran who raced from Ukraine and came in at 6:39.9. The CBC covered these events online (Photo: Spencer Closs)
Join the Board of Directors
The Corktown Residents and Business Association is inviting interested people who live in Corktown to join its Board. It’s a great way to build your community. Send an email before March 17 with the heading, “Interest in joining the Board.”
Danny Marks update
He’s currently appearing for Sunday matinees from 3 to 6 pm at the Smoke Show BBQ & Brew (744 Mount Pleasant) and he’s loving it. As usual, he’s broadcasting at Bluz.FM on Jazz.FM91 at 8 pm every Saturday night.
FITNESS SECTION
Weekly schedule at PSF
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) offers a busy weekly schedule of fitness classes. On Monday, Manissa does Peak Performance Cycling at 6:45 am and Eric leads Mobility First at 9:30 am. On Tuesday, Warren handles HIIT training at 5:30 pm and Alex does Hatha Flow yoga at 6:30 pm. Manissa is back on Wednesdays with Learn to Run at 7 am, Kristin teaches Learn to Yoga at 9:30 am and Kat leads pilates at 6:15 pm. Adem leads the HIIT class on Thursday at 7:15 am and Kristin leads Hatha Flow yoga at 6:30 pm. On Friday, Kat returns with Pilates at 9:30 am. Rob does Freestyle Cycling on Saturday at 10 am and Maisha does Mukti Yoga at 10:30 am on Sunday. For single event fees, schedules and class locations, call (416) 901-5421 or send an email. The schedules is listed online as well.
Step classes
Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step classes have started again at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). Wednesdays at 9:15 am. The class does step aerobics followed by stretch and strength exercises. The next class is on Wednesday March 8. There’s no class on March 15 during the March Break period. It resumes on March 22. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. Fee is $5 or PWYC. For more info, a detailed safety list and an equipment list, email Brenda.
Outdoor skating rinks
The City of Toronto operates three rinks in our area - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Commons (61 Dockside). On Thursday, Sherbourne Commons was closed due to weather conditions. Regent Park and Riverdale Park East are both open. Check the City’s lists for ice conditions when you want to skate.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office space for rent
The offices at 493 Parliament above the TD Bank have extra space to rent. This office is open and bright. The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. There’s elevator access to the second floor. It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional. For more info and for a tour of the space, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770. $850 month plus HST.
COMING EVENTS
Marilyn’s nail clinic
Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic happens on Saturday March 4 at Pet Valu (240 Carlton), 9 am to 4 pm. She’s handled cats, dogs, Guinea pigs and rabbits. She often has a full schedule for the day so she asks you to make an appointment. Call her at (416) 920-6814 for a reservation. $12, cash please.
Women & Economic Safety
A free workshop for newcomers, immigrants and refugee women who want to learn about protections against economic harm, employee rights and safety. Lunch is provided. Thursday March 9, 10 am to 12:30 pm. Centre of Learning & Development (540 Dundas). Online registration is requested.
Community meeting
Cabbagetown South Residents and the Moss Park Neighbourhood Community Police Officers are holding a community meeting. Residents can ask questions, add comments and receive updates on critical events. Thursday March 9 at 6:30 pm, front room at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario).
KIDS STUFF
March Break at the Children’s Book Bank
The Book Bank has prepared a busy schedule for March Break at both its Regent Park (585 Dundas E) and Sherbourne locations (561 Sherbourne, Level P3). There are storytimes, puppets, science, dancing and more. Click on each image to see the events that are planned.
Join a band
The Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (422 Parliament) has put out a call for kids who want to learn rock and pop songs. Keyboardists, guitarists, violinists, drummers and more. 3 to 4 pm, every Saturday. Have fun and learn to play with others. Register online or in-person.
Family drop-in in French
Friends of Allan Gardens has teamed up with Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto to bring you a family drop-in program - en français - during March Break. Venez jardiner avec vos enfants. Activités amusantes, jardinage en pot et découverte de plantes vous y attendent. Vendredi 17 mars, 10h30 - 12h30. Allan Gardens Children's Conservatory (160 Gerrard E).
IN THE MEDIA
Metrolinx relocates its rail yard
Plans for the controversial rail yard that was scheduled to be built in the Don Valley north of the Bloor viaduct have been cancelled. Lex Harvey has written a Toronto Star story about the decision and she gives plenty of background info about Metrolinx. (Photo: Richard Lautens, Toronto Star)l
IN OUR STORES
Cabbagetown honey
The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) is now featuring an incredible beekeeper who makes Cabbagetown’s very own fresh small batch honey. Joseph Curry founded Bee Local. His hives are located in backyards and on rooftops across Toronto and cared for by registered beekeepers who use sustainable organic methods. Drop in to The Great Mallard and pick up a bottle of local sweetness.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Pick6 at F’Amelia
Every Wednesday, F’Amelia (12 Amelia) will pick six wines - three reds and three whites - and discount them deeply.
St Practice at the Dominion
Get ready for St Patrick’s Day at the Dominion (500 Queen E) with St Practice Day festivities. From March 1 to March 16.
Comedic opera brunch
The Aviary (484 Front) presents soprano Danie Friesen, pianist Claire Harris and baritone Alexander Hajek in a comedy opera. Sunday March 5. Two shows, 1 pm and 2:15 pm. The comedic opera will tease your ears while the brunch will please your taste buds.
Battleship bingo
Sink ships and win prizes - Longslice Beer, games, adult toys and more. One card is free, additional cards for $2. Thursday March 9, 8 pm. The Aviary (484 Front).
El Catrin
Tequila tasting and dinner in the Bodega at El Catrin (18 Tank House Lane, Distillery). It’s your chance to taste rare and hard-to-find bottles. Each Tuesday until March 21, the menu will highlight classic foods that match the featured tequilas and mezcals. For more info and reservations, check it out online.
Apres ski weekends
Fridays (4 to 10 pm), Saturdays (noon to 8 pm) and Sundays (noon to 6 pm) to March 19. There’ll be Muskoka chairs, fire pits, marshmallows, beer, wine, hot drinks and tasty menus. Put away your boards and grab your toque. First come, first served - in the Distillery at Trinity Square.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY MARCH 2 TO SUNDAY MARCH 12
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY MARCH 2
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY MARCH 3
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
4 to 10 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
SATURDAY MARCH 4
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 8 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
8 pm, Live music
SUNDAY MARCH 5
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
The Aviary
Opera brunch - two shows, 1 pm and 2:15 pm.
MONDAY MARCH 6
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 7
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
El Catrin
6:30 pm, Tequila tasting and dinner
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, live music and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 8
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
THURSDAY MARCH 9
Aviary
8 pm, Battleship Bingo.
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, Group drumming classes for beginners with Anna Melnikoff
FRIDAY MARCH 10
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
4 to 8 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
SATURDAY MARCH 11
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Distillery
Noon to 8 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
SUNDAY MARCH 12
Distillery
Noon to 6 pm, Apres Ski Weekends in Trinity Square
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
